As many as 500 former Gurkhas and their families in Hounslow face an anxious wait to learn whether they can remain in the country.

Jagat Limbu was among those celebrating outside the High Court in September when a landmark ruling appeared to pave the way for thousands of ex-soldiers like him to stay in Britain.

However, three months later the Home Office has yet to decide whether Gurkhas who retired before 1997 will automatically be allowed to settle in the country.

It emerged last week that it could be another three months before ministers reach a final decision, a delay branded 'unacceptable' by the Gurkha Justice Campaign Team.

Mr Limbu spent 15 years with the Army, winning medals for long service and good conduct, before retiring in 1991.

Since arriving in Hounslow two years ago, he has been busy caring for the town's VC heroes, fellow Gurkhas Tul Bahadur Pun and Lachhiman Gurung.

"This is a very difficult time for me and all the other Gurkhas living in Hounslow," said the 53-year-old father-of-two, whose eldest son, Pradesh, is still in the Army.

"All I want is the right to work in this countrybut I'm so worried I haven't even been able to celebrate my birthday.

"When I was a Gurkha we would always turn up for parades five minutes early and we used to call that 'British time', but that's clearly not something the Government follows."

The Chronicle reported in October how High Court judges ruled that Britain had a 'moral debt of honour' to the thousands of Gurkhas, famed for their bravery, who have fought for the country over the years.

All immigration cases have since been put on hold, while ministers prepare new guidance based on the verdict, leaving an estimated 2,000 ex-soldiers in limbo.

One of the Gurkhas involved in the High Court case, Bhim Prasad Gurung, has already died during the wait and Kieran O'Rourke, of Howe

& Co Solicitors, said many more required urgent medical treatment.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We have taken the judgement on board and are determined to get the amended guidance right to ensure it is fair to all Gurkhas."